Firefly Lane book vs show - these are the key differences
Did you know these already?
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to W&H Newsletter Newsletter


Firefly Lane book vs show differences might not be far from your mind after the hit Netflix adaptation has had us laughing and crying in equal measure.
Fans have grown to love close friends Tully and Kate, watching their bond grow from childhood to the present day. Netflix’s Firefly Lane is based upon the novel of the same name by Kristin Hannah. And whilst the show has all the drama, emotion, and romance we have come to love watching on-screen, the original source material has even more twists and turns.
Those who love a cliffhanger are in for a treat, as the funeral at the end of Firefly Lane posed some pretty jaw-dropping questions, not least - why did Tully and Kate stop talking? It seems we’ll have to keep our fingers crossed for confirmation of a Firefly Lane second season before we fully get to the bottom of this. But there are some equally significant questions that book-readers may have after seeing Netflix’s adaptation.
In the books, the characters of Tully and Kate may be the same duo we’ve all come to love, but there are some pretty big differences elsewhere that many people won’t have seen coming...
Warning: spoilers ahead!
A post shared by FIREFLY LINE (@fireflylinenetflix) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
Mara is *not* an only child
In Netflix’s Firefly Lane, Johnny and Kate have a daughter, Marah. The relationship between Kate and her daughter isn’t hugely prominent in the show, though in the books Marah and Kate’s role as a parent is indirectly the cause of Tully and Kate’s falling out. Perhaps more important is the fact that in the books, Marah isn’t an only child at all. Johnny and Kate actually have three children.
More from woman&home:
- Best jewellery making kits - for crafting intricate, one-of-a-kind pieces for yourself or as a special gift
- Best Kindles - for digital book lovers - to help you decide which one to buy
- Best sewing machines for beginners: 5 machines to get you started with the hobby
It’s not been confirmed why the other children didn’t appear in Firefly Lane season one, but it could be that their absence simply allows more screen time for Marah and her parents. Or, who knows, we might see them in a potential second season...
Johnny and Kate’s divorce
Johnny and Kate’s relationship is certainly different in the books as in the show, it’s revealed that present-day Johnny and Kate are estranged before show-watchers even get to see them meet, fall in love and start their family. With us always knowing it would end up this way, that certainly put a new spin on everything we saw unfold. Yet in the book, their marriage never hits this breaking point. They may have their problems, but Johnny and Kate manage to overcome them and remain together throughout everything.
Max and Travis don’t exist
Fans of love interests Max and Travis might be disappointed to hear that these two don’t actually exist in the book. Those who were drawn in by the question of does Tully have a baby in Firefly Lane might not be too thrilled with the book’s original storyline. Whilst Tully meets and becomes pregnant with Max’s child, marrying him, before tragedy drives them apart - he is a show-only character. So is Travis, who Kate has a crush on. The breakdown of Johnny and Kate’s marriage means that Kate is left free to pursue other romantic possibilities and she and Travis soon hit it off.
Tully’s pregnancy doesn’t happen in the books
As some might have guessed already, no Max in the book means Tully doesn’t get pregnant by him in Kristin Hannah’s novel. In the show, Tully and Max’s relationship deteriorates after Tully miscarries their baby. Whilst she wants to work at their marriage, ultimately, Max seems to decide that’s not what he wants. In the book, Tully never becomes a mother and expresses uncertainty over motherhood given her childhood experiences. But with the show already deviating from this book storyline, perhaps there’s still room to hope things would be different in a possible second season.
Only half of the story is showed
Kristin Hannah’s Firefly Lane book shows Tully and Kate’s relationship from childhood, through to their teenage years, career years and even later. But Netflix’s Firefly Lane mainly covers the first half of the book story - and unlike the book, it doesn’t do it in a linear way. There are plenty of flashbacks and flashforwards to keep us hanging on for more in the show and we are definitely in need of some answers!
Kate dies in the books
In the show, the cliffhanger ending that sets the stage for a potential Firefly Lane season 2 sees Kate turn Tully away from her father Bud’s funeral. In the book, it’s not actually Bud that dies - but Kate herself. Show watchers might be heartbroken to learn that Kate sadly passes away from cancer in the book, though not before she makes her peace with her once best friend.
A post shared by FIREFLY LINE (@fireflylinenetflix) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
Despite the distance that had grown between them, Kate tells Tully not to regret anything that they had been through. Kristin Hannah’s sequel, Fly Away, tells the story of what happens following Kate’s death.
Whether you're a show-only viewer or a fan of the book, these Firefly Lane book vs show differences have certainly raised some more questions!

Emma is a Senior Lifestyle Writer with six years of experience working in digital publishing. Her specialist areas including literature, the British Royal Family and knowing all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and every streaming service out there. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, you can find Emma cooking and watching yet more crime dramas.
-
-
This is how Meghan Markle celebrated her 41st birthday
Meghan Markle celebrated her birthday with her family with some low-key celebrations
By Lauren Hughes • Published
-
What is the butterfly sex position? How to try this intense move and its benefits
Here, two sexologists explain the butterfly sex position and how to do it right
By Grace Walsh • Published